Is the Cruise Drink Package Worth It?
Should you buy the cruise drink package?
Last updated: January 8, 2026
Quick Answer
It depends on how much you drink. The break-even point is typically 5-7 drinks per day, but your itinerary, drinking habits, and current promotions all factor in.
Current Drink Package Prices (2026)
Drink package pricing varies by cruise line, ship, itinerary, and when you book. Pre-cruise pricing is always cheaper than onboard pricing.
| Cruise Line | Package | Pre-Cruise Price | Onboard Price | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | Deluxe Beverage | $56-$125/day | $70-$140/day | Unlimited |
| Carnival | CHEERS! | $83.94/day | $89.94/day | 15 drinks |
| Norwegian | Premium Beverage | $109-$129/day | $119-$139/day | Unlimited |
| Royal Caribbean | Refreshment Package | $29-$38/day | $33-$42/day | Non-alcoholic only |
| Carnival | Cheers! Zero Proof | $29.99/day | $29.99/day | Non-alcoholic only |
Factors That Affect Your Decision
1.Your drinking habits
Do you drink 5+ alcoholic beverages per day? Do you also drink specialty coffee, soda, and bottled water throughout the day?
2.Sea days vs port days
More sea days = more time on the ship drinking. Port-heavy itineraries mean less opportunity to use the package.
3.What you drink
Cocktail drinkers benefit most. Beer drinkers often break even or lose money. Wine drinkers can save significantly.
4.Current promotions
Black Friday, wave season, and pre-cruise sales can offer 20-40% off, dramatically changing the math.
5.Cabin rules
Royal Caribbean and Carnival require all adults in the cabin to purchase if one does. Norwegian allows individual purchases.
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Ask CruiseGPTFrequently Asked Questions
How many drinks per day do I need to break even on the drink package?
Most cruise line drink packages break even at around 5-7 alcoholic drinks per day, depending on what you order. Cocktails ($12-$16 each) hit the break-even faster than beer ($7-$9 each). Non-alcoholic items like specialty coffee and bottled water count towards your break-even too.
Do all adults in the cabin have to buy the drink package?
Royal Caribbean and Carnival require all adults (21+) in the same cabin to purchase the drink package if one person does. Norwegian Cruise Line allows individual purchases, making it a better option for groups with mixed drinking habits.
Can I buy the drink package after boarding?
Yes, but it costs more. Pre-cruise pricing is typically 10-20% cheaper than onboard pricing. Some cruise lines also run flash sales before sailing that can save even more. Check your cruise line app for current offers.
Does the drink package work on private islands?
It depends on the cruise line. Royal Caribbean's package works at Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee. Carnival's CHEERS! package works at Celebration Key. Always check your specific cruise line's policy, as coverage at third-party ports varies.